As the season and the trends change so do our wardrobes. Our team from Westfield Derby decided to ask their Facebook fans what their wardrobe dilemmas were and we’ve put together some style notes for them to help them out.
Dilemma 1: I have a big party, a little black dress but only £20 til payday to dress it up!
All you need now is killer accessories. Keep it simple and get a couple of real standout pieces. With £20 we suggest some gorgeous statement jewellery to really make you feel like a million dollars. Our go to for brilliant pieces on a budget comes from the designers at Debenhams. Try a Butterfly by Matthew Williamson skull necklace for only £8.00 and these Star by Julien Macdonald crystal earrings for £12.
Dilemma 2: I need some autumn outfits for the office which are fashionable but warm
Colder weather doesn’t have to mean hiding under knits and thick tights. Shirts and blouses are still a staple and to keep warm try insulating from underneath rather than covering up with jumpers. M&S have some great thermal vests that will keep you warm under sleek shirts while jersey dresses which are incredibly flattering, elegant and most importantly warm. A jacket over a short sleeved cashmere knit is also a winner. And, of course, autumn winds mean that boots are back! Try Jones the Bootmaker or Schuh for sleek ankle boots as oppose to knee highs for this season.
Dilemma 3: I can’t seem to find trendy and at the same time comfortable clothes, which is really important being a new mum
Luckily trendy doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Maxi skirts and dresses which are incredibly comfortable and flattering on most shapes are still very much on trend. This season’s catwalks showcased classic pieces like polo necks and simple skirts in autumnal shades of burgundies and you can find these on the high street at Monsoon and Oasis. Big oversized jumpers (quite possibly the most comfortable wardrobe item ever invented) were on the likes of the Stella McCartney and Balenciaga catwalks and are very much on trend for this season and you’ll find some great warmers in Zara. Don’t feel like you have to wear any trend that you think is in. Whatever you wear, feeling comfortable and confident is the most important thing and you will look like you own any trend if you feel good in it.
Dilemma 4: I’m between maternity and normal clothes, what’s the best style to go for?
While the temptation to squeeze back into those jeans is inevitable the best thing to wear when you’re in between sizes, skirts and maxi dresses. Gypsy style skirts, such as those from Apricot or H&M, make a bit of a come back this season and can be a blessing for anyone trying to feel comfortable and fashionable. Rather than going for completely fitted dresses, wear draped dresses or ones that fall from just below the bust line leaving plenty of breathing room. Kaftans are also back in fashion so you can hide any tell tale bumps while showing off your legs in elasticated jeans or trousers.
Dilemma 5: Where can I find clothes for plus sizes other than Evans and Ann Harvey?
A lot of stores haves started expanding their plus size ranges of late. M&S have some really gorgeous clothes in this season which come in all sizes. We love the new season collections in Dorothy Perkins particularly the jackets and brightly coloured dresses which go up to a size 22 while Next have an extensive plus size selection so most of our favourite pieces come in everything from size 8 to size 26 including some flattering evening dresses like this one shoulder body shaper dress with control slip for extra sleek lines.
